Tenant and landlord responsibilities

Last Updated: 12 February 2018

Many people live or work in rented houses, apartments or workplaces. Sometimes it can be a little confusing when it comes to responsibilities and paying bills - who is responsible for what? Tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities fall under Victorian state law and GWMWater's policies are in accordance with these laws.

Service charges cover the costs for us to access and maintain the water network connected to your property.

Usage charges pay for the water you use in your home or property for activities such as showering, doing the laundry and cooking. Your usage charges will usually change a little from bill to bill as your water consumption varies.

Residential properties

In residential properties, GWMWater bills for services and usage. In some cases a tenant may pay for water usage if the lease specifies this responsibility. However, a landlord can't give the tenant responsibility for water usage costs unless that property has its own water meter (e.g. not a shared water meter in an apartment building).

Check the below table to see what fees or charges you might be responsible for:

Landlords

Tenants

Service charge (water and wastewater)

Yes

No

Usage charge

Yes

Yes*

Meter reading for incoming or vacating tenant

Yes

No

Notice of property vacation

Yes

Yes*

Eligible for financial concessions

No

Yes

*Only if the tenant has accepted responsibility for water usage costs.

Commercial properties

The responsibility for water payments in commercial properties lies with the property owner. On written request we can send bills to the tenant, but duplicates will be sent to the property owner as they're ultimately responsible for payment. Unlike with residential properties, GWMWater doesn't read the meter or adjust the account according to tenancy movements.